1. Pollinators – By planting perennials, grasses and shrubs that often pollen at different times of the year ensures a food source for many different types of pollinators that visit your garden. Be sure to pick a wide variety of plant types that bloom in different seasons. For example early spring shrubs and trees such as Serviceberry, Fothergilla and more bloom very early. This ensures that bees, flies and other will have a food source as soon as they wake up. Late season bloomers such as Coneflower and Witchhazel will be blooming right before the season ends, making the pollen they provide a great “last chance” snack.

2. Hardiness – By choosing plants that natively grow in our climate you up your chances of getting the plants established with minimal effort. They are already used to our particular amount of cold, wet, hot and dry. You will have to amend the amount of water less and offer less winter protection. This means water conservation which is great for the environment.

3. Longevity – Plants often found in the same plant communities grow best together. This means better success for you! By choosing a variety of plants that grow together naturally you are looking at the big picture, on a small scale. These plants like the same amount of light, moisture, etc. making for a more complete and long lasting landscape.

For the next three weeks we will be highlighting a variety of native trees and shrubs that are perfect for your landscape – stay tuned!